U.S. patent application number 11/016866 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for exercise device with removable weight.
Invention is credited to Conley, William Patrick, Friedman, Mark B., Hauser, Stephen G., Mills, Alden Morris, Thomason, Rodger Dale.
Application Number | 20050227831 11/016866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35197511 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050227831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mills, Alden Morris ; et
al. |
October 13, 2005 |
Exercise device with removable weight
Abstract
An exercise device in which removable weight may be provided in
a housing of the device. Two rotatable handles may be provided in
the housing, permitting various hand orientations during exercise.
The removable weight may be received within and/or removed from a
cavity of the device.
Inventors: |
Mills, Alden Morris;
(Larkspur, CA) ; Friedman, Mark B.; (Simi Valley,
CA) ; Hauser, Stephen G.; (Tarzana, CA) ;
Conley, William Patrick; (Santa Monica, CA) ;
Thomason, Rodger Dale; (Santa Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
35197511 |
Appl. No.: |
11/016866 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11016866 |
Dec 21, 2004 |
|
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10819116 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4001 20151001;
A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 21/0004
20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B
21/0728 20130101; A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B
21/0605 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/106 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/072; A63B
021/075 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: a housing; a pair of rotatable
handle assemblies within the housing; and a cavity within the
housing for receiving one or more removable weights.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cavity is centrally located
in the housing so that a given removable weight is secured near the
center of the exercise device and so that each handle assembly of
the pair is outboard the cavity on either side of the cavity.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the weights are shaped in a
generally tubular form for lengthwise insertion into corresponding
slots of the cavity.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: means for securing
one or more given weights within the cavity, and means for removing
the one or more given weights secured within the cavity.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the means for removing includes
as at least one weight release mechanism for selectively releasing
weights from the cavity.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the means for securing weights
within the cavity includes a weight retainer assembly within the
cavity defining a plurality of weight sockets, each weight socket
configured for retaining a corresponding weight adapted for
lengthwise insertion into a corresponding weight socket.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein a given weight is secured within
a corresponding weight socket by rotating the weight in a first
direction during insertion of the given weight into the weight
socket, and the given weight is fully removed from the weight
socket by rotating the weight in a second direction.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein each weight includes a weight
segment attached between first and second end caps, the first end
cap adapted for insertion at an open end of the weight socket, the
second end cap adapted so as to protrude from the housing at the
weight socket open end when the weight is fully inserted into a
closed end of the weight socket, the first end cap including at
least one lug on a surface thereof, and each weight socket includes
a guide slot for receiving the at least one lug at the open end, at
least one latch, and rotation means for forcing rotation of the
weight in a first direction so that the at least one lug engages
the at least one latch upon insertion of the weight towards the
closed end within the weight socket.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rotation means includes a
flexible member providing tension against a face of the at least
one lug as the weight is being inserted into the guide slot, and a
ramp element provided at the closed end, the combination of the
flexible member and ramp element imparting a force to cause the
weight to rotate within the weight socket until the face of the at
least one lug engages the at least one latch at the closed end of
the weight socket.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the weight segment further
includes a recessed portion where the weight segment meets the
first end cap and the first end cap includes a central bore therein
containing a plunger and spring, the spring provided within the
recessed portion and at least part of the bore for contacting the
plunger, the plunger having a face that serves as a face of the
first end cap, and each weight socket includes a post at the closed
end that engages the plunger face when the weight is fully
inserted, biasing the plunger against the spring so as to force the
at least one lug into continuous engagement with the at least one
latch.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein each weight includes a pair of
lugs on opposing sides of the first end cap and each weight socket
further includes a pair of primary latches for engaging a
corresponding lug at the closed end and a pair of secondary
latches, the secondary latches automatically engaging the opposing
lugs upon accidental disengagement of the lugs from the primary
latches to prevent unintended release of the weight from the weight
socket.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein the means for removing includes
the protruding second end cap, at least one lug and at least one
latch, wherein an inserted weight is removed by rotating the
protruding second end cap in a direction opposite the first
direction so that the at least one lug disengages the at least one
latch.
13. An exercise device, comprising: a housing having first and
second ends, a pair of rotatable handle assemblies within the
housing, each handle assembly at a corresponding first end and
second end of the housing, the housing adapted to secure removable
weight in a cavity between the handle assemblies; and at least one
weight release mechanism for selectively releasing weights secured
within the cavity.
14. An exercise device, comprising: a housing, a pair of rotatable
handle assemblies within the housing, each handle assembly provided
at a corresponding first end and second end of the housing; and a
plurality of weight sockets centrally located in the housing
between the handle assemblies, each weight socket configured for
retaining a corresponding removable weight therein.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein a given weight is secured
within a corresponding weight socket by rotating the weight in a
first direction of rotation during insertion of the given weight
into the weight socket, and the given weight is fully removed from
the weight socket by rotating the weight in a direction different
from the first direction.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein each weight includes at least
one lug thereon, each weight socket includes at least one latch,
the weight rotating in a first direction during insertion within a
corresponding weight socket so that the at least one lug engages
the at least one latch to secure the inserted weight within the
weight socket, and the inserted weight is removed by rotating the
weight in a second direction of rotation opposite the first
direction so that the at least one lug disengages the at least one
latch.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein a given weight socket includes
rotation means for imparting a force to cause the weight to rotate
within the socket until the least one lug engages the at least one
latch.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein each weight includes an
interior cavity containing a plunger and spring, and each weight
socket includes a post that engages the plunger when the weight is
fully inserted, biasing the plunger against the spring so as to
force the at least one lug into continuous engagement with the at
least one latch.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein each weight includes a pair of
lugs on opposing sides of an end to be inserted into the socket,
each weight socket further includes a pair of primary latches for
engaging a corresponding lug and a pair of secondary latches, the
secondary latches automatically engaging the opposing lugs upon
accidental disengagement of the lugs from the primary latches to
prevent unintended release of the weight from the weight socket.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT AND CONTINUATION INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
domestic priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/819,116 to Alden M. Mills et
al., filed Apr. 7, 2004 and entitled "EXERCISE DEVICE, METHOD OF
FABRICATING EXERCISE DEVICE, AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERACTION
WITH AN EXERCISE DEVICE", the entire contents of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to an exercise
device, a method of fabricating the device, and a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Today, dumbbells may be generally recognized as the most
efficient of strength training devices. They allow extreme
flexibility in patterns of movement and allow the athlete to
perform a real world training regimen unlike, for example, bungee
cord exercises. Therapists prefer dumbbells because dumbbells may
reflect everyday movements and the flexibility of a dumbbell may
allow the patient to train around joint and muscle trauma. People
that train with dumbbells may enjoy productive gains not available
with other training modalities because dumbbells generally require
balance and involve synergistic muscle groups to contract during
the lift. The necessity to balance the dumbbells and coordinate
movement of each hand may stress the muscular and nervous system
unlike any machine exercise. With machines, a portion of the
athlete's musculature can actually relax due to the absence of
fully balanced coordination, i.e. one side can push harder than the
other.
[0006] There are two basic forms of dumbbells: fixed or
"pro-style", and adjustable dumbbells. Fixed dumbbells are
individually compact, but are typically sold in sets which
typically may be stored on a rack that is bulky and cumbersome.
Adjustable dumbbells have historically incorporated plates and
locking collars secured to the ends of an extended handle.
[0007] Adjustable dumbbells may be the most space and cost
efficient exercise equipment. However, adjustable dumbbells may
have some drawbacks. One drawback may be the time it takes to
change or adjust both dumbbells. Removing and replacing the locking
collars and plates may be time consuming, and can be a potential
safety hazard if the collars are not securely tightened. Some
exercises such as bench presses, inclines and shoulder work
typically begin and end with the dumbbells resting on the knees of
the user. However, this may be unwieldy and painful if the ends of
the dumbbells are not relatively flat.
[0008] Various adjustable dumbbells have been developed heretofore.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,017 to Jaeger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,198 to
Hettick and U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,144 to Towley, III et al. are
representative of the prior art in this regard. Each of these
patents, however, addresses only certain aspects of an adjustable
dumbbell, such as releasability, interlocking of the weights, etc.
Moreover, the exercise devices in each of these references may
involve a relatively cumbersome operation to add and/or subtract
weight and/or may be somewhat bulky and cumbersome to store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed
to an exercise device which may include a housing and a pair of
rotatable handle assemblies. The housing may include a cavity for
receiving one or more removable weights.
[0010] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
directed to an exercise device that includes the housing, handle
assemblies and a cavity for securing removable weight therein. The
cavity may be provided between the handle assemblies. The device
may include one or more weight release mechanisms for selectively
releasing weights secured within the cavity.
[0011] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
directed to an exercise device that includes the housing, handle
assemblies and cavity between the handle assemblies for securing
removable weight therein. The device includes a plurality of
weights sockets within the cavity, where each weight socket may be
configured for retaining a corresponding weight therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become
more fully understood from the detailed description given herein
below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are
represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of
illustration only and thus do not limit the exemplary embodiments
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2A is an extended plan view of FIG. 1 illustrating a
removable tray in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2B is an underside view of FIG. 1 illustrating a cavity
of the lower housing of the exercise device, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exercise device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a more detailed exploded view of a weight
selection assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the selector
assembly relative to a stack of weights and the removable tray in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weight plates 300 to
illustrate a method of weight selection in more detail, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an exemplary configuration for
a weight plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the removable tray in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the upper housing to
illustrate the selector knob in more detail.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rotating handle assembly in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10 to illustrate the
construction of the rotating handle assembly.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged top view of the handle
assembly and lower housing.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view illustrating a
resistance/sound element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing the exercise device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a partial cut-away view of an exercise device in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cut-away view of the exercise device of FIG. 18
to illustrate the internal cavity and placement of weights
therein.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a magnified view of an exemplary weight release
mechanism of the device of FIG. 18.
[0034] FIG. 21 is an exploded view illustrating parts of the weight
release mechanism of FIG. 20 in further detail.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary weights
for the device of FIG. 18.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 24 is an exploded view illustrating parts of the
exercise device of FIG. 23 in further detail.
[0038] FIG. 25 is an exploded view illustrating parts of an
exemplary weight in further detail.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in
FIG. 23 to illustrate internals of the exemplary weight in further
detail.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a magnified view of a portion of the exercise
device to illustrate parts of the weight retainer assembly in
further detail.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating the weight retainer
assembly of FIG. 23 in further detail.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a magnified view of a portion of a weight
retaining assembly to illustrate additional details thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0043] In general, the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention introduce an exercise device for providing removable
weight in a housing of the device. Two rotating handles may be
provided in the housing, permitting various hand orientations
during exercise. Unlike most dumbbell-type free-weight devices, the
removable weight may be provided near the center of the exercise
device, with the handles substantially outboard the removable
weight.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 2A and 2B
are an extended plan view and underside view of FIG. 1 illustrating
a removable tray and a cavity of the lower housing in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1,
the exercise device 1 may include an upper housing 10 and a lower
housing 20. Rotating handle assemblies 40 may be provided within
openings 15 provided in the upper housing 10 and lower housing
20.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2A, a tray 30 is shown in relation to the
upper housing 10 and lower housing 20. Referring to FIG. 2B, lower
housing 20 may be provided within a cavity at an underside
(indicated generally by arrow 25), allowing tray 30 and its
contents to dock or be inserted within the exercise device 1 for
tray storage or weight change via a weight selector assembly 100.
It is evident to those skilled in the art that tray 30 may be
configured in one or more alternative yet equivalent structural
forms or shapes for holding and/or storing weight plates 300, as
opposed to the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 2B, for
example.
[0046] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device 1 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Tray 30
may be docked inside lower housing 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the
method by which handle assemblies 40 may be mounted between upper
housing 10 and lower housing 20 is visible.
[0047] Additionally in FIG. 3, a weight selection assembly 100 is
shown in exploded view. The weight selection assembly 100 may
include at least a selector knob 101, an inner selector tube 110,
and an outer selector tube 120. Selector knob 101 may be provided
on the outside of upper housing 10 and may extend through a central
opening 106a in upper housing 10, as shown in FIG. 3. Selector knob
101 engages inner selector tube 110 to form a rotatable subassembly
101-110, for example. Inner selector tube 110 passes through the
support plate 115. The support plate 115 may be rigidly fixed to
upper housing 10 for providing support for the subassembly 101-110,
while allowing the subassembly 101-110 to rotate.
[0048] A friction washer 113 (which may be composed of a suitable
metal, rubber or plastic material) may be interposed between inner
selector tube 110 and support plate 115, providing a durable wear
surface. Below support plate 115, the subassembly 101-110 may be
rigidly connected to the outer selector tube 120, which may extend
into a lower central opening 106b in lower housing 20. Lower
central opening 106b provides weight selector assembly 100 access
into cavity 25. Thus, rotational input to selector knob 100 may be
transmitted through the subassembly 101-110 to outer selector tube
120, while the weight selection assembly 100 (outer selector tube
120, inner selector tube 110 and selector knob 101) is supported by
upper housing 10 through support plate 105.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a more detailed exploded view of the weight
selection assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. Selector knob 101 engages inner selector
tube 110 through a protrusion 102. Protrusion 102 may be sized to
provide a slip fit into receptacle 112 of the inner selector tube
110. This slip fit allows an up-and-down sliding movement of the
selector knob 101 while transmitting a turning couple to inner
selector tube 110. A spring element 104 may be provided between
knob 101 and inner selector tube 110, biasing knob 101 upward.
Thus, the spring element 104 may provide a detent function, locking
knob 101 in position unless the user of the exercise device 1
presses down on knob 101 to change the weight selection. Spring
element 104 may be embodied as a plurality of plastic leaf spring
elements on the underside of the knob 101. Alternatively, spring
element 104 may be composed of foam or elastomer materials having a
suitable anti-friction layer on a surface thereof, for example.
[0050] Inner selector tube 110 may be inserted into outer selector
tube 120 during initial assembly of the exercise device 1.
Fasteners (not shown) may be introduced into holes 111 and 121 to
secure the inner selector tube 110 to the outer selector tube 120.
The fasteners may be embodied as rivets or screws, although other
fasteners may be used, such as snaps between the inner and outer
tube, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and/or posts that provide an
interference fit in holes 111 or 121, for example.
[0051] The outer selector tube 120 may include a plurality of
protrusions or teeth 122 arranged on an outer surface of the outer
selector tube 120, as shown in FIG. 4. In general, weight selection
may be accomplished by the teeth 122 engaging weight plates
arranged in tray 30. This will be described in more detail
below.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the weight
selector assembly 100 positioned relative to a stack of weights 300
and the removable tray 30 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment,
tray 30 may be designed to hold up to eight (8) weight plates
310-380, although the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to tray 30 holding eight weights, device
1 and/or tray 30 may be adapted to hold greater or fewer than eight
weight plates. The bottom weight plate 380 may be permanently fixed
to tray 30. Alternatively, the bottom portion of tray 30 may be
formed so as to have an equivalent weight to the removable weight
plates 310-370 that may be added or removed from tray 30. Tray 30
may also be configured to add substantial additional weight to the
system for heavy-weight exercises. In other words, tray 30 could be
in a substantially larger configuration than shown in FIG. 4 to
incorporate a significant mass.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, weight plates 370, 360, 350, 340, 330,
320 and 310 may be stacked on top of weight plate 380. Each weight
plate may include one or more protrusions or teeth (only teeth 312
and 382 are shown for reasons of clarity) and may be selected by
changing the rotational position of outer selector tube 120. For
example, if teeth 122 are positioned to engage weight tooth 312 of
plate 310, weight plate 310 will be selected and held by outer
selector tube 120. Similarly, if outer selector tube 120 is rotated
so that teeth 122 are in engagement with weight tooth 382, weight
plate 380 will be selected and held by outer selector tube 120.
[0054] If a given weight plate is selected by the user, all weight
plates above the selected weight plate will also be selected. Thus,
if weight plate 380 is selected, each of weight plates 310-380 will
be held by outer selector tube 120. If weight plate 310 is
selected, only that individual weight will be removed from tray 30
and retained by outer selector tube 120, as there are no weight
plates above it. This allows the total weight selected to vary from
a given minimum to a given maximum weight in tray 30.
[0055] As discussed above, weight plate 380 may be permanently
attached to tray 30. Thus selection of weight plate 380 corresponds
to the maximum weight setting on device 1. Accordingly, tray 30
with all weight plates 310-380 will be retained by outer selector
tube 120. This allows use of tray 30 to provide additional weight,
and may also provide a clean configuration for storage of exercise
device 1.
[0056] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weight plates 300 to
illustrate a method of weight selection in more detail, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Some of the weights in FIG. 6 have been removed for clarity. Outer
selector tube 120 is positioned above weight plates 310, 330, 350
and 370. FIG. 6 illustrates how weight teeth 312, 332, 352 and 372
may be arranged, so that teeth 122 on the outer selector tube 120
engage only one of the respective weights. Changing the rotational
position of outer selector tube 120 thus changes the engagement
sequence, resulting in a different weight selection.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an exemplary configuration for
a weight plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. Weight plate 370 is shown as an example, although FIG. 7
is equally applicable to weight plates 310-360. The weight plate
370 may include weight spacer elements 390 attached to the bottom
thereof, as shown in FIG. 7. Spacer elements 390 may provide
additional weight and may also provide adequate spacing for each
weight plate to properly engage teeth 122 of the outer selector
tube 120. The spacer elements 390 may be composed of a material
similar to the material of weight plate 370, for example, if the
spacer elements 390 are designed to add weight. Alternatively
spacer elements 390 may be made of lightweight plastic and/or
rubber material to provide a spacing function and/or an optional
noise dampening function, while adding insignificant weight to
weight plate 370.
[0058] Unlike weight plates 310-370, weight plate 380 may be
permanently attached to tray 30 and does not include spacer
elements 390. In this exemplary embodiment, tray 30 weighs
approximately the same as the weight of a given spacer element 390.
Thus, the weight of weight plate 380--(minus) tray 30 weighs
approximately the same as weight plate 370--spacer element 390.
[0059] Weight plates 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are shown in a
generally square or plainer configuration. However, it is evident
to the ordinary skilled artisan to make and/or form the weights in
other shapes, dimensions and orientations (i.e., circular,
polygonal, ellipsoidal, etc.). Further, other mechanisms proving
the equivalent function of engaging weight selector assembly 100
may be provided on the weight plates 300, in lieu of or in
conjunction with the exemplary weight plate teeth shown in FIGS. 6
and 7, for example.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the tray 30 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows
an example of how weight plate 380 may be attached to tray 30, it
being understood that weight plate 380 could also form the bottom
of tray 30. In this example, weight plate 380 may be attached to
tray 30 with a fastener 31. Fastener 31 may be embodied as one or
more snap hook elements. The snap hook elements 31 may be plastic
and may be integrally molded into tray 30, if the tray 30 is made
of plastic.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the upper housing 10 to
illustrate the selector knob 101 in more detail. A label 103 may be
provided around the rotational periphery of the selector knob 101
on upper housing 10. The label 103 may include indicia to indicate
the selected weight. In FIG. 9, the position and orientation of
selector knob 101 corresponds with an indicator on label 103, here
shown as numbers, although other indicia could be used, such as
percentages or a "Euro-style" fuel gauge graphic that wraps around
the knob 101, somewhat like a ramp, for example.
[0062] The increments and/or indicia on label 103 may depend upon
the chosen weight range for a particular embodiment of the present
invention. In the example of FIG. 9, the weight ranges from 4 lb.
to 20 lb. in nine (9) equal increments. The nine increments
correspond to a position for each of the eight weights in this
exemplary embodiment, and an additional selector position for no
weight selected. The position for no weight selected leaves only
the weight of the exercise device 1 without weights 310-380 and
tray 30.
[0063] The weight of the assembly tray 30 minus the weight 380
weighs the same as any of the other weight plates 310-370 with
corresponding spacer elements 390. The weight of the tray 30
replaces the weight of the spacer elements 390, so in this example,
the tray 30 weighs 1 lb. Accordingly, in this example, the exercise
device 1 weighs approximately 4 lb.
[0064] Each additional selected weight plate 310-370 adds 2 lb.
Thus, the maximum weight possible in this example is seven 2 lb
weights, plus the eighth weight plate 380 and tray 30, which weighs
two pounds, for a total of 20 lb. As discussed above, the weight
increments, maximum and minimum weights are merely exemplary; the
exercise device 1 and tray 30 could be adapted to hold different
ranges of weights, depending on the desired size of the exercise
device 1 and desired accompanying weight. An exemplary range of
weight may be between about at least 2 pounds to at least 100
pounds of weight, although conceivably the exercise device 1 could
be adapted to hold even greater amounts of weight.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rotating handle assembly 40, and
FIG. 11 is an exploded view to illustrate the construction of the
rotating handle assembly 40. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the
handle assembly 40 may include ring halves 410, a rigid tube 420
and a handle 430. Handle 430 may be a soft handle or a malleable
material such as foam, flexible rubber or soft plastic, for example
and may be provided over rigid tube 420 as shown in FIG. 10, for
example. The tube 420 and handle 430 collectively form a
subassembly 420-430. Subassembly 420-430 may be placed between ring
halves 410, for example.
[0066] The handle assembly 40 may be mounted between upper housing
10 and lower housing 20 in a manner that allows handle assembly 40
to rotate independently. Thus, it may be possible for a user of the
exercise device 1 to change hand orientation while exercising with
the exercise device 1. This may provide unique advantages for
training desired muscle groups by performing particular
exercises.
[0067] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged top view of the handle
assembly 40 and lower housing 20, and FIG. 13 is a partial exploded
view illustrating a resistance/sound element in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device
1 may also include an element or device to create sound and
resistance while the user actuates handle assemblies 40. Sound and
resistance mat be generated by interaction between a
resistance/sound element 50 and a selector switch 60.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 12, the resistance/sound element 50 may be
mounted in lower housing 20 in proximate relationship to teeth 411
of rotating handle assembly 40. To vary the position of the
selector switch 60, the user may reach up inside the cavity 25 of
lower housing 20 when no weight is selected. Alternatively,
selector switch 60 may be provided on an outer surface of the upper
housing 10 or lower housing 20 in the vicinity of the rotating
handle assemblies 40. Thus, the user may vary the sound and
resistance created while actuating handle assembly 40.
[0069] In this example, the selector switch 60 may have a range of
motion between two extreme positions. A first extreme position of
selector switch 60 may result in maximum sound and resistance,
while at a second extreme position, resistance/sound element 50 is
not contacting teeth 411, so there is minimum sound and resistance.
Of course, the selector switch 60 may be set at intermediate
position, between the first and second extreme positions.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 13, resistance/sound element 50 may be
flexible and may include teeth 51 positioned to contact teeth 411
of rotating handle assembly 40. Resistance sound element 50 may
include mounting lugs 52 which may engage corresponding mounting
bosses (not shown for reasons of clarity) on lower housing 20 and
upper housing 10 to mount sound resistance element 50 to lower
housing 20. Selector switch 60 may further include a ramp 61 and a
tab 62. When the selector switch 60 is moved to a given position,
ramp 61 comes in contact with resistance/sound element 50, biasing
the teeth 51 towards teeth 411 of handle assembly 40. The resultant
contact creates sound and resistance while handle assembly 40 is
actuated by the user. The user may change the position of selector
switch 60 by moving tab 62 on the switch body.
[0071] A selector switch 60 and sound resistance element 50 may be
provided for each of the two rotating handle assemblies 40 of the
exercise device 1. Thus, it may be possible to independently select
sound and resistance for one or both of the handle assemblies
40.
[0072] Accordingly, handle assemblies 40 may be configured to
provide directional movement other than rotational (lateral,
transverse, etc.) within openings 15, for example. Further, one of
ordinary skill in the art may modify rotating handle assemblies 40
to include other structural elements in lieu of teeth to engage
resistance/sound element 50, for example. As described above,
resistance/sound element 50 and selector switch 60 illustrate one
exemplary embodiment, other configurations for providing sound and
resistance are evident within the ordinary skill of the art.
[0073] Manufacturing Methods
[0074] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing the exercise device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, there is
shown an exemplary manufacturing process for fabricating the
exercise device 1. It should be understood that the following
functions may be performed in a variety of different functional
orders to fabricate the complete exercise device 1.
[0075] In the method, the upper housing 10 may be formed (1410) and
the lower housing 20 may be formed (1420) by a suitable fabrication
process, described in further detail below. Each of the upper
housing 10 and lower housing 20 may be composed of a frame provided
with a central opening and a pair of outer openings, one opening at
either side of the central opening. The central opening may be
openings 106a and 106b of FIG. 3, and the outer openings may be
openings 15 shown in FIG. 1, for example. Further, the lower
housing 20 may be formed so as to have a centrally located cavity,
which may be cavity 25 of FIG. 1, for example.
[0076] Weight selection assembly 100 may then be formed (1430) by a
suitable fabrication process described in further detail below,
although this may be formed independent from the upper and lower
housing 10 and 20. To form the weight selection assembly 100, the
inner selector tube 110 and selector knob 101 may be formed, and
the selector knob 101 inserted into the inner selector tube 110 to
form the subassembly 101-110. The outer selector tube 120 may be
formed, with the subassembly 101-110 inserted into outer selector
tube to provide a contiguous weight selection assembly 100.
Friction washer 113 and support plate may be provided between the
subassembly 101-110 and outer selection tube 120 (see FIG. 3) for
support.
[0077] The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be formed (1440) by a
suitable fabrication process described in further detail below,
although rotating handle assemblies 40 may also be formed
independent from the forming of the upper and lower housing 10 and
20 and weight selection assembly 100. Each handle assembly 40 may
be inserted (1450) into a corresponding opening 15 of the lower
housing 20 (as shown in FIG. 3) so as to be supported by the lower
housing 20 frame.
[0078] The weight selection assembly 100 may be inserted (1460)
through the central opening 106a in the upper housing 10, and the
upper housing 10 with weight selection assembly 100 may be attached
(function 1470) to the lower housing 20 so that a portion of the
weight selection assembly (e.g., outer selector assembly 120 with
teeth 122) extends into the cavity 25 of the lower housing 20.
Suitable fasteners may be provided to fixedly secure the upper and
lower housings 10 and 20 together, such as rivets, screws,
adhesives, etc. Accordingly, fabrication of the exercise device 1
is completed.
[0079] Separately, tray 30 may be formed by a suitable fabrication
process, described in further detail below. Tray 30 may be formed
in a configuration for holding weight plates 310-380 and the
dimension adapted so as to comfortably fit within the cavity 25 of
the lower housing 20 for engagement of one or more weight plates
310-380 therein by weight selection assembly 100.
[0080] In general, individual components of the exercise device 1
described herein may be fabricated primarily from lightweight
materials such as moldable plastic. Upper housing 10 and lower
housing 20 may be formed by an injection molding process from a
high impact plastic, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
ABS is an easily machined, tough, low cost rigid thermoplastic
material with high impact strength, and may be a desirable material
for turning, drilling, milling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc.
However, ABS is merely one exemplary material; equivalent materials
may include various thermoplastic and thermoset materials that have
characteristics similar to ABS. For example, talc-filled
polypropylene, high strength polycarbonates such as GE Lexan.RTM.,
or blended plastics may be used instead of or in addition to
ABS.
[0081] An exemplary injection molding system for forming molded
plastic articles may be the Roboshot.RTM. injection molding machine
from Milacron-Fanuc. The Roboshot.RTM. is one of many known
injection molding machines for forming plastic injection molds.
Other plastic molding processes such as vacuum forming may be used,
but these alternative processes may not provide the structural
advantages and cost advantages of injection molding. Alternatively,
the upper housing 10 and lower housing 20 may be formed using a
metal casting process such as sand casting, die casting, or
investment casting, for example.
[0082] The weight selection assembly 100 may also be molded of
plastic. Selector knob 101 and inner selector tube 110 may be
formed by an injection molding process from a high impact plastic
such as ABS. Selector knob 101 and inner selector tube 110 may be
formed from virtually any plastic or metal material, since they are
not critically loaded. The decision of material may be based on
factors such as cost and/or appearance considerations.
[0083] Outer selector tube 120 may require a more durable material
as it requires additional strength. Due to the loads on teeth 122,
outer selector tube 120 may be molded of a more durable material
than ABS, such as glass-filled nylon. However, the composition of
outer selector tube 120 is not limited to glass-filled nylon, any
material having similar fracture toughness characteristics to
glass-filled nylon may be suitable equivalents Such materials may
be characterized as being able to absorb energy without cracking,
or materials which do not shatter under substantially sharp impact
loads, for example. Metal castings may be used to form outer
selector tube 120, as well as machined metal construction. Other
high performance molded and composite materials may also be
adequate for outer selector tube 120, but may not offer cost
advantages as compared to glass-filled nylon, for example.
[0084] Support plate 115 may be fabricated from high performance
molded or sheet plastic, a suitable light, yet strong metal such as
a high-strength, low alloy steel, aluminum, etc., and/or a
composite synthetic material such as a carbon fiber/epoxy material,
for example. Alternatively, support plate 115 may be incorporated
into molded upper housing 10. Friction washer 113 may also be
formed from a wide variety of metals and plastics. The function of
friction washer 113 is to provide desirable wear surface
characteristics at a relatively low cost.
[0085] Removable weight tray 30 may be formed from injection molded
ABS. However, tray 30 may be molded or machined from a number of
different plastic or composite materials, or may be cast from a
number of different metals. Cost and weight may play a
consideration in choosing the desired process and material for
forming tray 30.
[0086] The weight plates 300 may be stamped from hot-rolled steel,
for example. Alternatively, weight plates 300 may be cut from
cold-rolled steel, stamped from a stainless steel alloy, formed of
cast metals or machined metals, etc. Further, the weight plates may
be formed by a process using heavy filler materials such as
concrete or soft lead in a molded or formed outer housing. It is
also within the skill of the art to employ other known methods of
assembling stamped metal pieces to create the weight plates. A
basic requirement is that the weight plates 300 be formed of a
strong enough material that the teeth 312-382 are sufficiently
durable and at a reasonably accurate enough location on the
associated weight plate to successfully engage teeth 122 of the
outer selector tube 120.
[0087] As discussed above, the spacer elements 390 may be composed
of a suitable incompressible metal material used to form the weight
plates 300, such as hot-rolled steel, titanium, aluminum, etc.
However, spacer elements 390 could be formed of a plastic and/or
hard rubber compound. The rubber may provide acceptable noise
damping characteristics if only a spacing function is desired for
spacer elements 390. Metal may be desirable because it adds weight.
The spacer elements 390 may be spot-welded or punched and welded to
each of the weight plates 310-370. Rivets, screws, adhesives and
other known fasteners within the skill of the art may be used in
place of spot welding.
[0088] The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be composed of a rigid
aluminum tube 420 encased by a soft handle 430 that may be embodied
as a foam rubber grip 430, for example. Grip 430 may either be
extruded or molded into a desired shape. The ring halves 410 may be
formed by an injection molding process of ABS plastic, for example,
although a number of alternative methods may be employed to form
handle assemblies 40.
[0089] For example, the entire handle assembly 40 could be cast or
molded as a single piece of plastic or metal. Alternatively, tube
420 can be formed of any desired material that has sufficient
strength to perform under the anticipated loads. Further, the
handle assemblies 40 may change based upon the empty weight
requirements of cavity 25. In this example, the empty weight of
overall exercise device 1 should be approximately 4 lb. Handle
assemblies 40 provide a convenient location to tailor the final
empty weight of the exercise device 1 without tray 30 and
associated weigh plates 300.
[0090] Depending on the design, the empty exercise device 1 may be
lightened or weighted based on the materials chosen for the
components of the handle assemblies. For example, tube 420 may be a
thin-walled aluminum for tube 420. If, by a different choice of
material for upper housing 10 and lower housing 20, for example,
weight needed to be added to reach 4 lbs empty, tubes 420 could be
composed of hollow or solid steel. Filling tube 420 with lead or
concrete might significantly alter the weight of the handle
assembly 40. Likewise, casting the entire handle assembly 40 from a
metal or metal-filled plastic may also increase the weight.
[0091] The construction of soft handle 430 may vary based upon
factors such as comfort and durability requirements. The shape of
soft handle 430 can be molded for maximum comfort or extruded to
lower cost, as an example. Similarly, tube 420 could be formed in a
contoured shape, eliminating the need for soft handle 430. If the
entire handle assembly 40 was molded or formed as an integral part
and the central handle region was contoured, the soft handle 430
could be eliminated.
[0092] There may be a number of ways to provide sound and
resistance for rotating handle assemblies 40. This sound and
resistance may be selectable. The sound and resistance element 50
and selector switch 60 in the exemplary embodiment represent a
simple contact friction system. However, in addition to friction of
flexible elements or springs, the resistance may be generated by
fluid viscosity, magnetic induction, or electromagnetism, for
example. Sound may be generated by contact friction, air movement,
vibration of taut string elements, or may be generated via an
electrical/electronic source or device. If additional resistance is
required, elastomer friction blocks (not shown) may be added to the
existing design.
[0093] Method and System for Interacting with an Exercise
Device
[0094] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. In particular, there is
described a method and system 1500 for tracking a physical workout
by a user manipulating an exercise device.
[0095] Although motion tracking systems for weight machines with
mechanically constrained movements have been developed, due to the
inherent difficulties of tracking devices with free ranges of
motion, no known capability is believed to exist for free weight
exercise devices. Accordingly, the following method may be adapted
for an exercise device such as described above. However, the
following method may be implemented in exercise devices other than
the exercise device 1 described above, such as conventional free
weights, individual weight stations such as weight machines of a
NAUTILUS.RTM. system, exercise bikes, treadmills, step machines
such as STAIRMASTER.RTM. machines, etc.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 15, in the method, one or more devices at
the exercise device may detect one or more parameters related to
spatial movement of the exercise device by a user (shown generally
as user 1510, as indicated by the dotted lines extending from the
user 1510 to the exercise device). In an aspect, the detecting
function may be performed by one or more suitable sensors 1520
physically located on the exercise device. In an alternative
aspect, the detecting function may be performed by one or more
suitable sensors 1520 located externally (not shown) from the
exercise device. The parameters may be embodied as one or more of a
rate of lift parameter of the exercise device during movement by
the user, a range of motion parameter of the exercise device during
movement by the user, a number of repetitions parameter of the
exercise device by the user for a specified workout routine, and/or
a jitter parameter related to pitch and yaw (e.g., translational
movement) of the exercise during movement by the user. In another
example, the sensors 1520 may track the revolutions and time a user
performs an exercise which involves the user rotating the exercise
device with his/her hands in a manner that mimics peddling a
bicycle using his/her hands. The user may thus focus on the
revolution/time count as a measure of their work completed in a
given workout session.
[0097] The sensors 1520 may be embodied as at least one of an
accelerometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor,
an infrared sensor and an optical sensor, or combinations thereof
that detect one or more of the parameters and output a signal (such
as an analog signal) that may be converted (i.e., by a suitable A/D
converter 1525) into digital data. The digital data may be
processed in an intelligent electronic device 1530 provided on the
exercise device.
[0098] For example, in an embodiment in which the detected
parameter data is communicated as an analog signal by the sensor(s)
1520, the signal may be converted to digital data by A/D converter
1525 and processed in a microcontroller 1530 (intelligent
electronic device) operatively connected to an output of the A/D
converter 1525. The microcontroller 1530 may process the digital
data into a suitable form, such as an RF signal containing a data
packet, that is transmitted from an antenna 1545 of a transceiver
1540 that is operatively connected to the microcontroller 1530,
similar to how packetized voice or data traffic is wirelessly
transmitted over an air interface from a cellular phone to a base
station transceiver servicing the cellular phone, for example.
[0099] For example, if the sensor 1520, via the intelligent
microelectronic device 1530, is operatively connected to a
miniature RF transceiver 1540 on the exercise device, the detected
parameter data may be packetized in the transceiver 1540 and
transmitted as part of one or more packets of data wirelessly over
a air link 1547 to an antenna 1550 of a remote receiver. The remote
receiver may serve as a second transceiver 1555 at a remote
location, such as a transceiver that is operatively connected to
downstream processing circuitry of a processing station (as shown
in FIG. 15). The processing station (which may be located within a
gymnasium or workout club) receives the detected parameter data
over the link 1547 via antenna 1550 of transceiver 1555 and
forwards the detected parameter data to downstream processing
circuitry.
[0100] The various sensors, microelectronics and transceiver
circuitry may be powered from a suitable power source such as
rechargeable secondary battery. Rechargeable secondary batteries
for powering portable electronic devices are well known, evidenced
by the battery packs used to power low-voltage electronic devices
such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA's) and
laptop computers. Accordingly, suitable battery pack candidates may
be battery packs consisting of one or more cells having a
nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd) or lithium ion
(Li.sup.+) cell chemistry with associated electrolyte.
[0101] The processing station may be embodied in hardware and/or
software as a digital microprocessor 1560 within a suitable
personal computer that includes a wireless hub and associated
transceiver components and circuitry. However, instead of a digital
microprocessor, an analog processor, digital signal processor
and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits
controlled by a suitable microcontroller or microprocessor may be
provided in the processing station, for example. Power may be
provided by a suitable AC power source or embedded battery pack as
described above.
[0102] Users 1510 may communicate with microprocessor 1560 over a
suitable encrypted medium such as an encrypted 128-bit secure
socket layer (SSL) connection 1578, although the present invention
is not limited to this encrypted communication medium. If the
processing station is embodied as a server, user 1510 may connect
to the server over the internet or from any one of a personal
computer, laptop, PDA, etc., using a suitable network interface
1585 such as a web-based internet browser. Further, processing
station may be accessible to internal users 1510 via a suitable
local area network connection 1580, so that internal users 1510
have access over an intranet for example. Graphical information may
be communicated over the 128-bit SSL connection 1578 or LAN 1580,
to be displayed on a suitable display device 1587 or 1589 of the
user 1510.
[0103] The processing station may include a data bus 1576. Bus 1576
may be implemented with conventional bus architectures such as a
peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus that is standard in
many computer architectures. Alternative bus architectures such as
VMEBUS, NUBUS, address data bus, RAMbus, DDR (double data rate)
bus, etc. may be utilized to implement bus 1576.
[0104] Microprocessor 1560 represents a central nexus from which
all real time and non-real functions in the processing station are
performed, such as graphical-user interface (GUI) and browser
functions, directing security functions, directing calculations for
display and review by the user. Accordingly, microprocessor 1650
may include a GUI 1570 which may be embodied in software as a
browser. Browsers are software devices which present an interface
to, and interact with, users 1510 of the system 1500. The browser
is responsible for formatting and displaying user-interface
components (e.g., hypertext, window, etc.) and pictures.
[0105] Browsers are typically controlled and commanded by the
standard hypertext, mark-up language (HTML). Additionally, or in
the alternative, any decisions in control flow of the GUI 1570 that
require more detailed user interaction may be implemented using
JavaScript. Both of these languages may be customized or adapted
for the specific details of a given application server 200
implementation, and images may be displayed in the browser using
well known JPG, GIF, TIFF and other standardized compression
schemes, other non-standardized languages and compression schemes
may be used for the GUI 230, such as XML, "home-brew" languages or
other known non-standardized languages and schemes.
[0106] Microprocessor 1560 may invoke cryptographic hardware or
software to establish a firewall to protect the processing station
from outside security breaches. The cryptographic hardware or
software secures all personal information of registered users
1510.
[0107] The digital microprocessor 1560 of the processing station
may evaluate the received parameter data. The evaluation may
include determining a fitness score that takes into account at
least one of the age, gender and health/fitness condition of the
user 1510. Additional input to the fitness score may include the
aforementioned parameters related to spatial movement of the
exercise device by the user 1510.
[0108] The processing station may include memory 1565 (such as
various types of RAM, ROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage,
etc.) for storing or recording the performance data. The processing
station may receive inputs from an input device (keypad, mouse,
touch screen, voice command, etc.) at the user 1510, via interfaces
1580, 1585, bus 1576 and GUI 1570 for enabling display of the
performance data via GUI 1570 to the user 1510.
[0109] In an aspect, the GUI 1570 may be adapted to enable, via an
animated display 1575 at the processing station, a graphic display
of a proper form of a selected exercise to help instruct the user
1510. For example, the GUI 1570 may be adapted to graphically
mimic, on display 1575 (or displays 1587 and 1589), a particular
exercise being performed by the user 1510 in at least one of a real
time mode and a playback mode, so as to indicate whether the
exercise is performed properly, and/or to display a fitness score
for the individual exercise. Further, GUI 1570 may enable the user
1510 to locally or remotely download a given workout plan, or a
review of the user's workout history, via at least one of an
intranet and the Internet, as discussed above.
[0110] Based on the evaluation, the processing station may output
performance data related to the workout. In an aspect, the
performance data may be related to at least one of a quality
measure and quantity measure of the workout. For example, the
processing station may output, on display 1575, a single fitness
score for the user related to quality of the workout that is based
on the evaluation. Alternative, after a series of workouts, a
single fitness score may be generated to evaluate the overall
workout session.
[0111] The fitness score may be displayed locally on a display 1575
at the processing station. Alternatively, the fitness score or
other data may be processed in microprocessor 1560 into a suitable
form for transmission from the antenna 1550 of transceiver 1155
over an airlink 1590 to a remote location at the user 1510. For
example, if the user has an electronic device configured with
appropriate transceiver circuitry (wireless PDA, cell phone,
wireless PC, etc), the transmitted data may be converted into a
suitable digital video image for display at display units 1587,
1589.
[0112] In another aspect, the performance data may be displayed in
substantially real time (except for minor transmission losses over
the air link due to interference or path signal loss) for a
specified workout routine. The displayed performance data may
include, but is not limited to, graphical data representing a rate
of lift of the exercise device during movement by the user, a range
of motion of the exercise device during movement by the user, time
the user used the device, and/or a number of repetitions of the
exercise device by the user.
[0113] In a further exemplary embodiment, a gaming device with
interface (not shown) may be provided for translating physical
movements by a user manipulating an exercise device to gaming
software of the gaming device displaying an active game. For
example, sensory devices 1520 on an exercise device in
communication with a suitable software program or algorithm and
transceiver circuitry may be adapted to convert spatial movements
of the exercise device by the user to mimic or correspond to
movements within a displayed game operatively controlled by the
gaming device.
[0114] Accordingly, the method and system of tracking a physical
workout by a user manipulating an exercise device such as a free
weight device may offer several benefits. Instantaneous feedback of
exercise metrics for range of motion, rate of lift and/or number of
repetitions may allow a user to adjust their form to obtain maximum
muscle workout and reduce potential incidence of injury. Remote
hands-free recording of exercise performance provides the user,
trainer, or therapist the capability to evaluate the quality of a
workout at the end of a session and progress over time.
Near-instant feedback and the interactive gaming capabilities may
provide an element of mental stimulation to an otherwise boring and
tedious experience.
[0115] Further, a single fitness score may be output for the user
for comparison to other people, thus allowing for friendly
competition or just general comparison. This may add a new element
to fitness training that can make training more rewarding and
enjoyable. Users may also receive a single fitness score
representing a consolidation of their entire workout, making it
easy to remember and record. Providing a single fitness score may
also facilitate the user tracking their own progress.
[0116] Accordingly with regard to FIG. 15, parameters other than or
in addition to rate of lift, range of motion and number of
repetitions by the user of an exercise device may be tracked and
displayed on a suitable display device. Moreover, the exemplary
fitness score may take into account other parameters and
characteristics other than, or in addition to one or more of age,
gender and/or health/fitness of the user 1510. Further, it is
within the skill of the art to configure alternative sensory
devices or equivalent structure that provide a like output signal
based on a detected parameter, other than or in addition to the
aforementioned accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors,
proximity sensors, infrared sensors and/or optical sensors.
[0117] FIG. 16 is a partial cut-away view of an exercise device in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 16 is somewhat similar to FIG. 1, as device 1'
includes rotating handle assemblies 40', an upper housing 10', a
lower housing 20' and a central cavity for receiving a plurality of
plates 300'. Upper housing 10' may have a raised door 13, which may
be embodied as a frosted or clear plastic panel, for example. The
user may view a suitable indicator such as label 103 (not shown)
depicting how much weight is in the device 1'. The raised door 13
may be held by spring force which may be overcome by the user
pressing down against door 13 to overcome spring pressure, similar
to how one might open a cassette housing of a cassette recorder or
hand held VHS recorder, for example to open the door 13.
[0118] Device 1' may include a weight selector assembly which may
comprise a selector knob 101' and a selector tube 120'. Selector
tube 120' may include a plurality of vertically arranged teeth 122'
thereon for engaging teeth 122' within corresponding slots 312' of
weight plates 300'. The weight selector assembly may slide
laterally to align teeth 122' with corresponding slots 312' of
given weight plates 300' to engage the desired amount of weight
plates 300' that have been selected based on the lateral movement
of the weight selector assembly by a user of the device 1'. There
may be provided calibrations on one or more of the weight plates
300' that tells the user where to align the selector knob 101'.
This may be seen through the clear door 13, for example, and may be
in equal weight increments, for example.
[0119] Accordingly, to pick-up weight the selector tube 120' may
extend through the slots 312' as the weight loads from the bottom
of device 1' through lower housing 20' and is received into a
cavity somewhat similar to as shown in FIG. 1. However, the weights
are selected by lateral movement of the weight selector mechanism
to lockingly engage teeth 122' with slots 312', as shown in FIG.
16. Once the desired weight is selected, door 13 may be closed. The
closing action of the door 13 may pull the selected weight plates
300' up slightly in a compressive engagement to limit movement of
the weight plates 300' therein. Door 13 also provides a locking
mechanism for device 1'.
[0120] Weight plates 300' may be configured in several
configurations, one of which may be known as a `clamshell`
arrangement. Widthwise, the width of the weight plates 300' may
increase from bottom to top so as to provide individual weight
plates 300' of equal weight which, when engaged by teeth 122' and
secured in device 1', may maintain the center of gravity of device
1' generally in the middle of the device 1', not top heavy or
bottom heavy, regardless of which weight plates 300' are
selected.
[0121] Although not shown for reasons of clarity, the individual
weight plates 300' may be of different thicknesses and dimensions
so as to provide an equal weight for each weight plate 300'. The
weight plates 300' may be configured so that they are stackable in
a general vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. 16. Further, each
slot 312' may include teeth (not shown). The teeth may be arranged
along different locations in slots 312' of different weight plates
300', so that teeth 122' may engage corresponding teeth of a given
weight plate 300' based on the position of selector knob 101'.
[0122] Each weight plate 300' may have one or more openings (not
shown for reasons of clarity) other than central opening 312'.
Openings may be different for different weight plates 300',
depending on the vertical position of a given weight plate 300' in
the stack shown in FIG. 16, for example. Each weight plate 300' may
further have a different stamping to accommodate weight plates 300'
having equal overall weight, for example.
[0123] Referring again to FIG. 16, selector knob 101' may traverses
laterally along a guide plate 156 based on actuation by the user.
Optionally, guide plate 156 may include a plurality of spaced
detents or indicators that may represented a selected weight by the
user. The selector knob may include a tab (not shown) that engages
a given detent to maintain selector knob 101' at the selected
position on guide plate 156. Depending on the weight selected, the
teeth 122' of selector tube 120' may thus be aligned within slots
312' of the weight plates 300' so as to engage corresponding teeth
of one or more weight plates 300', for example.
[0124] In general, individual components of the exercise device 1'
described herein may be fabricated primarily from moldable
lightweight materials such as ABS. The weight plates 300' may be
stamped from hot-rolled steel, cut from cold-rolled steel, stamped
from a stainless steel alloy, formed of cast metals or machined
metals, or formed by a process using heavy filler materials such as
concrete or soft lead in a molded or formed outer housing. A basic
requirement is that the weights 300' be formed of a strong enough
material that the teeth are sufficiently durable and at a
reasonably accurate enough location on the associated weight plate
300' to successfully engage teeth 122' of the ' selector tube 120'.
The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be composed of material and
formed as described in the previous exemplary embodiment, for
example.
[0125] Accordingly, the teeth of a given weight plate 300' placed
at different points in each opening 312' enables the teeth 122' of
the selector tube 120' to engage a given weight plate 300' based on
the lateral movement of the selector knob 101' and sector tube 120'
during the weight selection process. A weight plate 300'
orientation of a given plate 300' may be such that each weight
plate 300' weighs the same and maintains the center of gravity of
the device 1' when secured within the device 1' by the closing
action of the door 13. Door 13 provides a locking mechanism using
spring force to secure the individual weight plates 300' within the
device 1', substantially eliminating the potential for vibration
within the device 1'.
[0126] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, an exercise device 1" may include a housing
10" having a central cavity 25" containing a plurality of weight
sleeves 36 and a pair of outboard rotating handle assemblies 40".
Additionally, device 1" may include additional handles 44 that may
be part of housing 10". Materials and processes for forming the
components of device 1" may be as similar to those materials and
processes as described above for the previous exemplary
embodiments.
[0127] The weight sleeves 36 may each contain a removable weight
300" (not shown). For example, the weight sleeves 36 of cavity 25"
may be configured to store weight between about 5-55 pounds,
although this is merely an exemplary range of weight. Device 1" may
further include one or more self-locking spring loaded-mechanisms
(not shown for clarity) to secure the weights 300" in sleeves
36.
[0128] The rotating handles 40" may freely rotate to provide wrist
supination (outward rotation) at a desired given angle. The handle
assembles 40" may include a rotatable outer bezel 48 thereon that
is calibrated to include a number of handle positions, here shown
in terms of degrees from vertical. Positions of the handles may be
selectable to exercise a specific muscle group (bicep, tricep, back
chest, etc.) depending on the hand orientation of the user on the
device 1". The user may thus select a free spinning or locked
position of supination or pronation (inward rotation) of the
wrist.
[0129] Device 1" may thus be a combination of a barbell, dumbbell
and medicine ball. Unlike traditional barbells and dumbbells,
weights may be attached centrally, as opposed to the ends. Slots
(not shown) with locking mechanisms may be provided in the center
of the device 1" for sleeves 36 of weights 300" to be installed.
Based on the amount of weight installed, the weight load of device
1" may span over a range of weight, in upwards of a hundred pounds
or more, for example.
[0130] Device 1" may have several alternative configurations, not
illustrated herein for reasons of brevity. In an aspect, the device
1" may include a horizontal handle attached at either end with two
shorter handles. The shorter horizontal handles may attach to two
vertical handles, which in turn may connect to the lower housing
20" of the device 1". Inward of the vertical handles may be
medicine ball equivalent sized grips that encapsulate either end of
the weight slots. The weight slots may receive the sleeves 36 of
weight. Further, the vertical handles may be extended at the bottom
of device 1" to support exactly the same horizontal handle
configuration as found on the top of the device 1". Accordingly,
device 1" of FIG. 17 may include up to six horizontal handles, two
short and one long handle on either side of device 1".
[0131] In another aspect, device 1" may include two removable,
rotating handle assembly modules 40" that may be selectively
attached to either end of the device 1". The handle assembly
modules 40" may provide handholds that can be set to rotate freely
clockwise/counter-clockwise, or which may be locked at any angle to
work a desired muscle group. The handle assembly modules 40" may be
adjustable inward and outward to allow a user to adjust the width
of their hand holds as needed. The weight slots, horizontal handles
and medicine ball grips may be similar to as described above.
[0132] Any of the exemplary exercise devices of FIGS. 1, 16 and 17
(devices 1, 1', 1"), may include a housing configured differently
than as upper housing 10 and a lower housing 20. For example, the
housing may be formed by an injection molded technique as one
piece, as multiple pieces (>2) or from a modular connective
construction (fixed housing with removable and/or reconfigurable
connective modular housing portions), for example. Additionally,
the cavity or opening may be provided on one of the exemplary
devices in FIGS. 1, 16 and 17 in places other than centrally
located within lower housing 20, as is evident to those having
ordinary skill in the art.
[0133] Multiple alternative configurations providing an equivalent
function may be substituted for, and//or may accompany, the weight
selection assembly 100 described herein. For example, there may be
provided various alternative structures for selecting weight other
than the exemplary selector knob 101. Inner and outer selector
tubes 110 and 120 may be replaced by several alternative
structures, as would be evident to one having ordinary skill in the
art. Alternatively, a single selector tube may be utilized in any
of devices 1, 1', 1" instead of inner and outer selector tubes 110
and 120.
[0134] FIG. 18 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18
is somewhat similar to FIGS. 1, 16 and 17, as exercise device 1000
includes rotating handle assemblies 1040 and a housing assembly
with a central cavity or opening 1025. The housing assembly of FIG.
18 may include an upper housing 1010 and a lower housing 1020.
However, the housing assembly could be of singular construction
formed by one of the forming processes described above with respect
to FIG. 14, and of a material such as ABS or other material as
described above with respect to FIG. 14, for example.
[0135] Cavity 1025 may be configured to receive a plurality of
weights 1300. In FIG. 18, weights 1300 are shown in a tubular or a
cylindrical slug form, it being understood that weights 300 can be
configured of different geometrical shapes for insertion into
cavity 1025. Although in this example only four (4) weights 1300
are shown, it is evident to those skilled in the art that device
1000 could be configured to accommodate fewer or greater than four
weights 1300.
[0136] FIG. 18 also illustrates a weight release mechanism 1100
provided on an upper surface 1011 of the upper housing 1010 of
device 1000. Weight release mechanism 1100 may be actuated by a
user of the device 1000 so as to selectively release weights for
removal from cavity 1025
[0137] Handle assemblies 1040 may be identical to the handle
assemblies described with respect to FIGS. 10-13. For example, the
device 1000 may include an element or device to create sound and
resistance while the user actuates handle assemblies 1040. As
previously discussed with respect to FIG. 12, the user may vary the
sound and resistance created while actuating handle assembly
1040.
[0138] Handle assemblies 1040 may also include a rotatable outer
bezel thereon with a number of handle positions, shown for example
in FIG. 17 in terms of degrees from vertical. Positions of the
handles may be selectable to exercise a specific muscle group
(bicep, tricep, back, chest, etc.) depending on the hand
orientation of the user on the device 1000. The user may thus
select a free spinning or locked position of supination or
pronation (inward rotation) of the wrist.
[0139] Handle assemblies 1040 may also be configured to provide
directional movement other than rotational (lateral, transverse,
etc.) for example. Further, handle assemblies 1040 may include
other structural elements in lieu of teeth to engage a
corresponding resistance/sound element, for example.
[0140] FIG. 19 is a cut-away view of the exercise device of FIG. 18
to illustrate the internal cavity and placement of weights therein.
Referring to FIG. 19, a given weight 1300 may be inserted into a
corresponding guiding slot 1027 of cavity 1025. The weight 1300 may
be inserted and locked into place within slot 1027 of the cavity
1025 via a latch assembly (not shown in FIG. 19). The latch
assembly includes a latch hook (not shown) that engages a slotted
recess 1310 of the weight 1300 as the weight 1300 is inserted,
retaining the weight 1300 in place within the cavity 1025 as seated
against a spring counter force, shown in FIG. 19 as coil 1030. A
button (not shown in FIG. 19) may be depressed so that the latch
hook is disengaged from slotted recess 1310. Once the latch hook is
disengaged, the coil 1030 may provide an ejection function to at
least partially eject the weight 1300 from its corresponding slot
1027 in cavity 1025.
[0141] FIG. 20 is a magnified view of an exemplary weight release
mechanism of the device of FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is an exploded view
illustrating parts of the weight release mechanism of FIG. 20 in
greater detail. In FIG. 20, weight release mechanism 1100 may
include a button 1101 operatively connected to a button arm 1102,
which in turn is connected to latch assembly 1120. Button arm 1102
may be in operative engagement with an axle element 1122 of latch
assembly 1120. One end of latch assembly 1120 may terminate in a
latch hook 1121. The latch hook 1121 may be configured for
engagement with weight 1300. For example, latch hook 1121 may be
configured for engagement within slotted recess 1310 of a weight
1300 to secure the weight 1300 within the corresponding slot 1027
of cavity 1025. Weight 1300 may include an end cap 1305 that covers
an end thereof, including slotted recess 1310. End cap 1305 may be
composed of a suitable plastic or rubber, formed so as to provide a
sealing fit over the end of weight 1300, as shown in FIG. 20, for
example.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 20, a user of the device 1000 may actuate
button 1101 to disengage a removable weight 1300 form the device
1000. Button 1101 only needs to be depressed to disengage the
weight 1300. This is because the end of the weight 1300 with the
slotted recess 1310 includes a lead-in portion (shown generally at
1306) on an edge of cap 1305 thereof. The lead-in portion 1306
actuates a tapered edge on the latch hook 1121 such that the latch
hook 1121 automatically "kicks over" the end cap 1305 to engage or
seat within slotted recess 1310 as the weight 1300 is inserted.
This is possible since the latch hook 1121 has sufficient "give" of
play so as to allow the insertion action of the weight 1300 into
slot 1027, yet secures the weight 1300 therein once latch hook 1121
seats in slotted recess 1310. Thus, the interaction of latch hook
1121 with the end cap 1305 and slotted recess 1310 as the weight
1300 is inserted in a slot 1027 of the cavity 1025 may represent a
securing and/or engaging means for securing the weight 1300
therein.
[0143] Referring now to FIG. 21, the button 1101 actuates axle
element 1122 of latch assembly 1120 via button arms 1102. Latch
assembly 1120 may be mounted via stub axles 1123 to a portion of
upper housing 1010 (not shown for clarity). The movement of button
arms 1102 causes corresponding translational movement of axle
element 1122. Stub axles 1123 translate this movement to impart
rotational movement of the latch hook 1121. This enables latch hook
1121 to rotate into engagement with slotted recess 1310 of weight
1300, or out of engagement with slotted recess 1310. To assist the
latch hook 1121 engagement with slotted recess 1310, a spring 110
may be mounted beneath button 1102 to provide tension on latch hook
1121, for example.
[0144] The weight release mechanism 1100 and its constituent parts
may be molded of plastics and/or metals. For example, button 1101
and arms 1102 may be formed by an injection molding process from a
high impact plastic such as ABS. Latch assembly 1120 may also be
formed of injection molded ABS. However, parts of latch assembly
1120 may require additional strength. Due to the loads on the latch
assembly 1120, one or more of the latch hook 1121, axle element
1122 and stub axles 1123 may be molded of a more durable material
than ABS, such as glass-filled nylon, or any material having
similar fracture toughness characteristics to glass-filled nylon,
for example.
[0145] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary weights
for the device of FIG. 18. The weights 1300 may be formed from hot
or cold-rolled steel using any suitable forming process so as to
obtain a weight 1300 with a shape that conforms to the dimensions
of a corresponding slot 1027 within cavity 1025.
[0146] The weight 1300 may be formed of any ferrous or non-ferrous
metal, depending upon desired weight characteristics. The metal
could be cast or machined, for example. Other materials or
compositions may be used, especially if another material is used to
provide a rigid structure. For example, a hollow tube could be
provided that is filled with sand, lead shot, concrete, a fluid,
etc. The tube could be formed of metal, molded plastic, or
composite material, for example. A rigid material could be applied
on the outside of the tube to provide a stable shape and an
accurate means of engaging latch assembly 1120. Those skilled in
the art may of course envision a plurality of possible material
combinations that would provide a desired mass and/or structural
characteristics.
[0147] Additional materials can be provided at given outside
regions of weight 1300 to provide grip or comfort for a user's
hand. These may include soft plastic or rubber compounds.
Additional decorative elements can be provided on the end of weight
1300 so that as the weight is inserted into cavity 1025, it
improves the appearance of the overall device 1000. These
decorative elements could be formed of plastic, metal, rubber or
polymer foam, for example.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 22, the exercise device 1000 may be
configured so as to accommodate weights 1300 having both a female
end 1301 and a male end 1302. Either the female end 1301 or male
end 1302 could be inserted into cavity 1025 so as to rest against
coil 1080 of FIG. 19, for example. In the example of FIG. 18, the
device 100 may accommodate two 1-lb weights 1300 having female ends
1301 and two 1 lb weights 1300 having male ends 1302. A user of the
device 1000 may thus connect two of the removable weights 1300 by
engaging a male end 1302 to female end 1301 to realize a standalone
hand weight of increased weight. The female and male ends 1301 and
1302 may be secured by a suitable attachment means including, but
not limited to, threaded engagement of the ends, a spoke and socket
arrangement (similar to a socket on a wrench), twist lock
engagement, etc.
[0149] In the example of FIG. 22, the weights may be one (1) pound
each. However, the maximum and minimum weights may vary; the
exercise device 1000 could be adapted to hold different ranges of
weights, depending on the desired size of the exercise device 1000
and desired accompanying weight. An exemplary range of weight may
be between about at least 4 pounds (empty) to in excess of 100
pounds of weight, although conceivably the exercise device 1000
could be adapted to hold even greater amounts of weight.
[0150] Device 1000 and/or weights 1300 may be adapted for other
uses than hand weights. For example, a weight 1300 may be
configured for attachment to a hiking stick, ski pole, an
ankle/wrist band device with plural sockets to accept more than one
weight. In another variant, device 1000 may be provided with
attachment points thereon so it can be attached to a cable weight
machine (such as a multi-station UNIVERSAL GYM.COPYRGT.) type
machine), for example, The attachment of device 1000 may thus
provide a "weighted handle" for the cable machine, with the
rotating handles 1040 possibly providing ergonomic benefits to the
user.
[0151] FIG. 23 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23
is somewhat similar to FIGS. 1 and 16-18, as the exercise device
1000 includes rotating handle assemblies 2040 and a housing with a
central cavity or opening 2025. The housing may include an upper
housing 2010 and a lower housing 2020; although it is evident to
those of skill in the art that the housing could be of singular
construction formed by one of the forming processes described above
with respect to FIG. 14, i.e., formed of ABS or other material as
previously described.
[0152] Cavity 2025 may be configured to receive a plurality of
weights 2300. In FIG. 23, weights 2300 are shown in a tubular slug
and/or a generally cylindrical shaped-form for lengthwise insertion
into the cavity 2025 as shown in FIG. 23, it being understood that
weights 2300 may be configured of different shapes for insertion
into cavity 2025. Although in this example only three (3) weights
2300 are shown, it is evident to those skilled in the art that
device 2000 could be configured to accommodate fewer or greater
than three weights 2300. Hereafter, a weight 2300 may occasionally
be referred to as a weight assembly 2300' to illustrate the
components that constitute a given weight 2300.
[0153] The cavity 2025 may include a plurality of weights sockets
2105, as generally shown in FIG. 23. Each weight socket 2105 may be
configured for retaining a corresponding weight therein via a
"twist lock" feature of the exercise device 2000. For example, a
given weight 2300 may be secured within a corresponding weight
socket 2105 by rotating the weight 2300 in a first direction
(counter-clockwise or clockwise) as the weight 2300 is being
inserted into the weight socket 2105. In an aspect, the weight
socket 2105 includes features and/or components that facilitate
weight 2300 rotation into a locked position within socket 2105. The
weight 2300 may be fully removed from the weight socket 2105 simply
by rotating the weight 2300 in a rotation direction opposite to the
first direction. An exercise device (such as device 2000) employing
the aforementioned twist lock feature may eliminate the need for
separate latch mechanisms and buttons, as described in the
exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 18-22. This may result in fewer
moving parts and a sleeker overall design for the exercise device
2000.
[0154] FIG. 24 is an exploded view illustrating parts of the
exercise device of FIG. 23 in further detail. The weight sockets
2105 may be formed as part of a weight retainer assembly 2100. The
weight retainer assembly 2100 may be composed of upper and lower
weight retainer halves 2100a and 2100b, although it would be
evident to one skilled in the art that weight retainer assembly
2100 could be injection molded as a single piece construction.
Weight retainers 2100a and 2100b may be formed by an injection
molding process from a high impact plastic, such as ABS or other
equivalent thermoplastic and/or thermoset materials that have
characteristics similar to ABS, such as talc-filled polypropylene,
high strength polycarbonates such as GE LEXAN.RTM., blended
plastics, etc., which may be used instead of or in addition to
ABS.
[0155] Handle assemblies 2040 may be substantially identical to the
handle assemblies described with respect to FIGS. 10-13. In
addition, bearing washers 2045 may be provided on each side of
handle assemblies 2040, as shown in FIG. 24. The bearing washers
2045 may aid in establishing desired turning resistance for handle
assemblies 2040 and may help absorb manufacturing tolerances in the
clearance between upper housing 2010 and lower housing 2020.
[0156] As previously described, the exercise device 2000 may
include a resistance/sound element device to create sound and
resistance while the user actuates handle assemblies 2040, such as
is shown in FIG. 12. Handle assemblies 2040 may also include the
rotatable outer bezel with handle positions (FIG. 17) that may be
selectable to exercise a specific muscle group, depending on the
hand orientation of the user on the device 2000. Handle assemblies
1040 may also be configured to provide directional movement other
than rotational (lateral, transverse, etc.) for example, and may
include other structural elements in lieu of teeth to engage a
corresponding resistance/sound element, for example.
[0157] FIG. 25 is an exploded view illustrating parts of an
exemplary weight in further detail. In FIG. 25, a weight assembly
(weight) 2300 may be comprised of a weight element 2310 provided
between end caps 2330 and 2340. Each weight assembly may weigh
approximately 1.5 pounds and may be used as a separate hand weight
when not being used in device 2300, for example. However, the
weight of a given weight assembly 2300 may vary depending on the
materials used for the weight element 2310, overall size of device
2000 and size of weight sockets 2105, etc. Weight element 2310 may
be fabricated of steel rod steel in one embodiment, as a hollow
plastic rod filled with lead to realize a 2-3 pound hand weight for
example, by a plastic or metal material tube or cylinder enclosing
a solid material such as lead, sand, viscous liquid, etc., or by
any other equivalent materials that provide a substantially solid
weight segment 2310 between caps 2330, 2340.
[0158] Weight element 2310 may be surrounded by an outer rubberized
grip 2320. Grip 2320 may be fabricated from a suitable soft
material such as rubber, foam and the like, and may vary in its
construction based upon factors such as comfort and durability. The
shape of grip 2320 can be molded for maximum comfort or extruded to
lower cost, as an example, so long as the weight assembly 2300
conforms to the inner diameter of a corresponding weight socket
2105.
[0159] End caps 2330 and 2340 may be made of a suitable hard
plastic such as ABS, and may be provided for decorative and
functional purposes. The end caps 2330, 2340 may be secured to
weight element 2310 by a plurality of pins 2370 through tap holes
2375 during manufacture so as to realize the weight assembly 2300.
End cap 2340 may be adapted to provide a function of guiding and
locking weight assembly 2300 into exercise device 2000. For
example, end cap 2340 may include one or more lugs 2345 (in an
example, two may be provided on opposite sides of end cap 2340, lug
2345 on opposite side not shown in FIG. 25) that engage guide slots
(not shown) in weight retainer assembly 2100. Faces 2346 of lugs
2345 may engage latches (not shown) provided in weight retainer
assembly 2100.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 25, a plunger 2350 and spring 2360 may be
provided within an interior of end cap 2340 so as to extend within
a recessed portion (not shown) of weight element 2310. Plunger 2350
may cooperate with a spring 2360 to provide tension to the weight
assembly 2300 while latched into the weight sockets 2105 of the
weight retainer assembly 2100. For example, as the end of weight
assembly 2300 at end cap 2340 is inserted into a weight socket 2105
toward the back of device 2000, the spring 2360 from within weight
element 2310 provides a counter force on the plunger 2350 opposite
a force applied against a face of the plunger 2350 from contact
with a post (not shown) of the weight socket 2105. The spring
tension provided by spring 2360 may prevent rattling and accidental
release of weight assembly 2300 from the device 2000.
[0161] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in
FIG. 23 to illustrate internal components of the exemplary weight
in further detail. Additional details of weight assembly 2300 are
shown in FIG. 26. The spring 2360 resides partially within a
recessed portion 2315 of weight element 2310 and also partially
within a central bore 2343 of end cap 2340, so as to provide
tension against plunger 2350. Plunger 2350 has a face 2355 forming
a face of the end cap 2340 that contacts a post within weight
socket 2105 as the weight assembly 2300 is inserted fully against
an inside end of the weight retainer assembly 2100. Both lugs 2345
with locking faces 2346 are also shown. Depressing plunger 2350 to
the right (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 26) compresses spring
2360.
[0162] A user of the exercise device 2000 grasps end cap 2330 to
twist and unlock weight assembly 2300 from exercise device 2000. As
previously discussed, as the weight assembly 2300 is fully inserted
and locked into position within a weight socket 2105 of retainer
assembly 2100, the end cap 2330 protrudes slightly from a weight
socket 2105 (see FIG. 23) and housings 2010-2020. This may provide
a gripping surface for the user to rotate the weight assembly 2300
to an unlocked position for removal.
[0163] FIG. 27 is a magnified view of a portion of the exercise
device to illustrate parts of the weight retainer assembly in
further detail. Only one weight retainer (lower half 2100b) of
lower housing 2020 is shown for reasons of clarity to illustrate
further details therein, it being understood that weight retainer
upper half 2100a of upper housing 2010 is essentially a mirror
image of weight retainer half 2100b. FIG. 27 also shows a portion
of a weight assembly 2300 at the end cap 2340 and direction of
insertion (see arrow).
[0164] Referring to FIG. 27, lug 2345 may be guided by slot 2110
within the respective weight socket 2105 of the retainer assembly
2100. As the weight assembly 2300 is inserted into the weight
socket 2105, lug 2345 initially encounters a secondary latch 2130.
As the weight assembly 2300 is being inserted in the direction of
the arrow, lug 2345 passes secondary latch 2130 and continues
travel along guided slot 2110 until it reaches a primary latch
2120.
[0165] In addition to having the guide slot 2110 for receiving the
lug 2345 at the open end of the weight socket 2105, the weight
socket 2105 may be provided with rotation means for facilitating or
encouraging rotation of the weight assembly 2300 in a given
direction so that the lugs 2345 engage the primary latch 2120 as
the weight assembly 2300 is inserted to substantially full
insertion depth at the closed end within the weight socket 2105. As
shown in FIG. 27, at full insertion depth rotation may be
facilitated by lug 2345 contact with a flexible beam 2140 and a
ramp element 2125. The flexible beam 2140 provides tension against
lug 2345 to bear against end cap 2340 and then the side of weight
element 2310 during insertion travel so as to provide a side force
to encourage rotation of weight assembly 2300 until a face 2346 of
the lug 2345 engages primary latch 2120. The ramp element 2125 is
provided to further encourage and/or force rotation of weight
assembly 2300 during a particularly rapid insertion event.
[0166] Although not shown, upper housing 2010 has a similar ramp
element (not shown) that engages the opposite lug 2345 (not shown).
All latching features described herein may be provided in two
opposing retainer halves 2100a/b that engage both lugs 2345 of
weight assembly 2300. Each of three weight sockets 2105 of the
exemplary exercise device 2000 have these features.
[0167] Although direction of rotation in FIG. 27 for locking a
weight assembly 2300 within a corresponding weight socket 2105 is
shown as a counterclockwise rotation direction, due to the
arrangement of ramp element 2125, flexible beam 2140 and latches
2120, 2130, the skilled artisan will recognize that locking could
be effected by clockwise rotation of the weight assembly 2300
within weight socket 2105, simply by reversing positions and/or
orientations of the ramp element 2125, flexible beam 2140 and
latches 2120, 2130.
[0168] Upon full insertion of weight assembly 2300, a post 2150
depresses plunger 2350 to compress spring 2360 within the end cap
2340 and weight element 2310, providing tension to weight assembly
2300. This tension forces face 2346 of lug 2345 into continuous
engagement with a face of the primary latch 2120. An additional
benefit to this tension is the elimination of rattling noise during
vigorous movement of exercise device 2000.
[0169] To remove weight assembly 2300, the user grasps the end cap
2330 and imparts a rotational twist in the opposite direction to
uncouple face 2346 of lug 2345 from primary latch 2120. In the
event that weight assembly 2300 accidentally or inadvertently
disengages from primary latch 2120 (such as during a workout for
example), face 2346 of lug 2345 will automatically engage a face of
secondary latch 2130. Engagement is ensured by cross-tension
applied from flexible beam 2140. This may prevent an unintended
full release of weight assembly 2300. In order to fully release
weight assembly 2300, the user grasps the end cap 2330 and twists
weight assembly 2300 a second time to uncouple and/or disengage lug
2345 from secondary latch 2130.
[0170] FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating the weight retainer
assembly of FIG. 23 in further detail. The complete weight retainer
assembly 2100 is shown in FIG. 28. The right-hand weight assembly
2300 is shown fully engaged onto a face of primary latch 2120. The
middle weight assembly 2300 is shown being held in a partially
released position by secondary latch 2130 (as in the case where one
or both lugs 2345 inadvertently disengages from primary latches
2120. Since lugs 2345 and corresponding latch features are provide
in both halves 2100a/b, redundant latching for the weight assembly
2300 may be provided.
[0171] FIG. 29 is a magnified view of a portion of the weight
retaining assembly 2100 to illustrate additional details. The right
hand side weight assembly 2300 is at full insertion depth with post
2150 (not shown) depressing plunger 2350 within end cap 2340
against spring 2360, so as to continuously force face 2346 of lug
2345 into engagement with a face of primary latch 2120. The middle
weight assembly 2300 is shown in the partially released position,
held by secondary latch 2130. FIG. 29 show that clockwise rotation
may be imparted to the weight assemblies to lock the weight
assembly within weight socket 2105, as an alternative to the weight
retainer assembly 2100 shown in FIG. 27.
[0172] The exemplary exercise devices described herein with
centrally-loaded weights may substantially reflect or mimic the
type of lifting people experience in real-world activities (where
the person's hands are usually on the outside of the object being
lifted), as compared to conventional barbells and dumbbells having
symmetrical weights located outside the hands, which reflects a
weight distribution that people almost never deal with in real
world lifting activities. Moreover, the ease and rapidity of weight
change in the exemplary exercise devices illustrates a substantial
departure from the complexities of using adjustable dumbbells
and/or the cost of having to purchase a reasonable weight range of
fixed-weight dumbbells to achieve rapid weight change during a
given workout session.
[0173] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention being
thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from
the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention. All such modifications as would be obvious to one
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *